the Sharp End Podcast

In this episode of the Sharp End Podcast, Zach Watson shares a gripping story of a mountain accident in the Bugaboos, highlighting the importance of preparation, communication, and mental resilience in mountain rescue scenarios. Learn key lessons on safety gear, decision-making, and the value of strong partnerships in outdoor adventures.

Zach Watson is a technologist based in Squamish, British Columbia, with a passion for outdoor climbing and recreation. With several years of climbing experience, he has tackled various routes across the West Coast, including the Bugaboos, making him a knowledgeable voice on the subject.

This podcast is produced by Ashley Saupe and sponsored by Rocky Talkie and onX Backcountry.

→ 70% off onX Backcountry Premium or Elite - SHARPEND70
→ 10% off Rocky Talkie radios at RockyTalkie.com/SharpEnd
→ 15% online Responder Alliance trainings, including the Responder HUB - SHARPEND
→ 10% off Wallpoppe - SHARPEND
→ 15% off SWOOP. garments - SHARPEND
→ 10% off any wilderness med course with Desert Mountain Medicine - SHARPEND
→ Use code SHARPEND to waive the activation fee on ZOLEO
→ Global Rescue Insurance: https://partner.globalrescue.com/thesharpendpodcast/index.html
→ 20% off American Alpine Club membership with code sharpend26

Ep 125 - The Way Out: A True Story of Survival in the Heart of the Rockies - Devon O'Neil

In January 2017, three families set out on a backcountry ski trip to Uncle Bud's Cabin in the heart of the Rockies outside of Salida, Colorado. What was meant to be a fun getaway turned into a desperate search when two members of the party didn’t return from a quick ski run. In this episode, we'll dive into the remarkable story told in Devon O'Neil's book, "The Way Out," revealing not only the thrilling events but also the profound effects on the families and community involved. O'Neil, a seasoned journalist, captures the essence of resilience and courage that emerged in the face of tragedy. We explore what happened, the lessons learned, and why this story resonates deeply with outdoor enthusiasts and communities alike.

Check out this bonus article written by Devon O’Neil about his own personal avalanche experience – https://www.outsideonline.com/outdoor-adventure/exploration-survival/avalanche-trigger-mt-baldy/

This podcast is produced by Ashley Saupe and sponsored by Rocky Talkie and onX Backcountry.

→ 70% off onX Backcountry Premium or Elite - SHARPEND70
→ 10% off Rocky Talkie radios at RockyTalkie.com/SharpEnd
→ 15% online Responder Alliance trainings, including the Responder HUB - SHARPEND
→ 10% off Wallpoppe - SHARPEND
→ 15% off SWOOP. garments - SHARPEND
→ 10% off any wilderness med course with Desert Mountain Medicine - SHARPEND
→ Use code SHARPEND to waive the activation fee on ZOLEO
→ Global Rescue Insurance: https://partner.globalrescue.com/thesharpendpodcast/index.html
→ 20% off American Alpine Club membership with code sharpend26

Ep 124 - Climbing Liberty Ridge: Lessons Learned from a Challenging Ascent - Andy & Eric

Discover the insights from climbing Liberty Ridge on Mount Rainier, including key lessons, mistakes to avoid, and the importance of weather awareness for climbers.

In June of 2016, climbers Andy Schriner and Eric Miller embarked on a challenging ascent of Liberty Ridge on Mount Rainier. With a mix of excitement and trepidation, they navigated weather challenges, physical demands, and important decision-making that would ultimately shape their experience. Andy and Eric share the lessons learned from their journey, the challenges they faced, and what every climber should consider before tackling this impressive route.

This podcast is produced by Ashley Saupe and sponsored by Rocky Talkie and the American Alpine Institute.

→ 25% off Mountain Sense PRO Rescue Kits & Rescue Tarps - code SHARPEND25 (exp. 6/1)
→ 10% off Rocky Talkie radios at RockyTalkie.com/SharpEnd
→ 15% online Responder Alliance trainings, including the Responder HUB - code SHARPEND
→ 30% off onX Backcountry Premium or Elite, valid through 12/31/26 - code SHARPEND
→ 10% off Wallpoppe - code SHARPEND
→ 15% off SWOOP. garments - code SHARPEND
→ 10% off any wilderness med course with Desert Mountain Medicine - code SHARPEND
→ Use code SHARPEND to waive the activation fee on ZOLEO
→ Global Rescue Insurance: https://partner.globalrescue.com/thesharpendpodcast/index.html
→ 20% off American Alpine Club membership with code SHARPEND26

Ep 123 - Maximizing Wilderness Preparedness - Insights from a Mountain Guide - Mark Smiley

You already know that Ashley loves wilderness medicine so much, and she always wants her listeners to be as prepared as possible in the backcountry. That's what inspired this episode. Tune in to hear Ashley interview Mark Smiley, an IFMGA Mountain Guide, who shares his expertise on outdoor safety gear, rescue techniques, and backcountry preparedness. Ashley and Mark discuss practical tips, innovative gear, and lessons learned from guiding and safety experience in remote wilderness environments. Whether you're a guide, outdoor enthusiast, or wilderness professional, learn how to optimize your safety setup and decision-making in remote environments.

Get your MTN Sense Mountain Rescue Kit here!

This podcast is produced by Ashley Saupe and sponsored by Rocky Talkie.
**This episode is not sponsored by MTNSense. Ashley simply did her research and found that this is hands down the best custom built backcountry rescue kit out there (in her opinion) and also very much respects Mark Smiley’s values and professional background.

→ 25% off Mountain Sense PRO Rescue Kits & Rescue Tarps - code SHARPEND25 (exp. 6/1)
→ 10% off Rocky Talkie radios at RockyTalkie.com/SharpEnd
→ 30% off onX Backcountry Premium or Elite, valid through 12/31/26 - code SHARPEND
→ 10% off Wallpoppe - code SHARPEND
→ 15% off SWOOP. garments - code SHARPEND
→ 10% off any wilderness med course with Desert Mountain Medicine - code SHARPEND
→ Use code SHARPEND to waive the activation fee on ZOLEO
→ Global Rescue Insurance: https://partner.globalrescue.com/thesharpendpodcast/index.html
→ 20% off First Aid contents at MyMedic.com with code SHARPEND20
→ 20% off American Alpine Club membership with code sharpend20

In this episode of The Sharp End Podcast, Garrett Vinoski shares his harrowing experience of a near miss during a backcountry skiing trip in Moonlight Basin on December 5th in 2023. He discusses the factors leading up to the incident, including decision-making processes, avalanche conditions, and the importance of communication and risk management in the backcountry. Garrett reflects on the emotional aftermath of the avalanche, the lessons learned, and the changes he and his wife have made to their approach to backcountry skiing to enhance safety and awareness.

This podcast is produced by Ashley Saupe. This podcast is sponsored by Rocky Talkie and American Alpine Institute.

→ 10% off Rocky Talkie radios at RockyTalkie.com/SharpEnd
→ 30% off onX Backcountry Premium or Elite, valid through December 31, 2026 using code SHARPEND
→ 10% off Wallpoppe orders with code SHARPEND
→ 15% off SWOOP. garments with code SHARPEND
→ 10% off any wilderness med course with Desert Mountain Medicine using code SHARPEND
→ Use code SHARPEND to waive the activation fee on ZOLEO
→ Global Rescue Insurance: https://partner.globalrescue.com/thesharpendpodcast/index.html
→ 20% off First Aid contents at MyMedic.com with code SHARPEND20
→ 20% off American Alpine Club membership with code sharpend20